Jimmy Rimmer: European Cup-winning goalkeeper dies aged 78 after distinguished career

Jimmy Rimmer, the former Manchester United, Arsenal and Aston Villa goalkeeper who helped two clubs win the European Cup, has died at the age of 78.

Rimmer spent more than two decades in professional football and played a part in Manchester United’s European Cup success before later helping Aston Villa secure the trophy. He was born in Lancashire and began his career in Manchester United’s youth system.

He was part of the Manchester United squad that defeated Benfica in the 1968 European Cup final, although he remained on the substitutes’ bench for the match.

Rimmer spent nine years at Old Trafford, most of that time as understudy to Alex Stepney. He moved to Arsenal in 1974, before joining Aston Villa three years later.

His transfer to Villa marked the most successful period of his playing career. Rimmer established himself as an important member of the side and made 229 league appearances for the club.

He also played in every match of Aston Villa’s run to the European Cup in 1982. However, his final appearance in the competition ended after only nine minutes of the final against Bayern Munich, when he was replaced.

Aston Villa said in a statement: “Aston Villa is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of European Cup winner Jimmy Rimmer, aged 78.

“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Jimmy’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”

Stepney, Rimmer’s former Manchester United team-mate, also paid tribute. He wrote: “Very sad news to hear of the passing of Jimmy Rimmer, rest in peace, and all my love to Jimmy’s family.”

Only a day earlier, Stepney had used social media to say that Rimmer was not in the best of health after suffering a fall. He had also sent his former goalkeeping colleague his best wishes.

Rimmer left Aston Villa in 1983 and spent three years with Swansea City. He then had brief spells with Ħamrun Spartans in Malta and Luton Town, both in 1986.

Despite his long career at club level, Rimmer won only one England cap. He played in a friendly against Italy while he was an Arsenal player.

His time at Manchester United included the opportunity to witness the club’s 1968 European Cup triumph from the bench, while his later role at Aston Villa saw him involved throughout their successful 1982 campaign before the early substitution in the final.

The two European Cup victories formed the defining backdrop to a career that also included spells with Arsenal, Swansea City, Ħamrun Spartans and Luton Town. Aston Villa’s tribute described Rimmer as a European Cup winner and offered condolences to his family and friends following his death.